RECENT NEWS & REVIEWS
Mai-Kai kitchen and bar take shape as team heads to Tiki-a-Go-Go (March 2024 update)
New equipment is now being installed in the rebuilt back-of-house at the historic South Florida restaurant. More info, cocktails to be shared at Orlando event April 5-6.
Beyond Esotico Miami: Kaona Room and Daniele Dalla Pola's cocktail and rum adventures
After closing his flagship Miami bar, the Italian master mixologist is hitting the road while the Kaona Room keeps his cocktails flowing. He reveals his plans to return, along with several other new projects in the works.
>>> FULL COVERAGE, PHOTOS AND VIDEO
* The Kaona Room keeps torch burning
* Photos, video: Esotico Miami memories
Cocktail recipe: Esotico Rum Cup
Mai-Kai update (February 2024): Exterior reimagination up next as $15 million Mai-Kai project plows ahead
The historic South Florida restaurant prepares for an ambitious transformation of its sprawling 2.7-acre grounds.
REVIEW: El Dorado's new High Ester Blend could be a mixologist's secret weapon
The first in a series of cask-strength releases is a fine premium sipper, but its true strength may be behind the bar.
>>> SEE OUR TAKE ON THE NEW RUM
Don the Beachcomber grand opening in Florida is a smashing success
If there were any doubts that the inaugural "next gen" restaurant and tropical bar would not live up to the high standards of its namesake, they were quickly put to rest during the launch in Madeira Beach.
>>> OPENING DAY PHOTOS, RECAP, MORE
In-depth coverage
>>> Menus and overview: Cocktails | Food
>>> Decor, music & more | Tips and guidance
>>> Bonus cocktail recipe: Doctor Funk
In year 5, Miami Rum Congress matures into more complex and accessible spirits event
By moving to a major convention center on South Beach and expanding its scope, the event shows potential for an expanded audience.
Social media recap: Photos, coverage of Miami Rum Congress events
>>> Q&A with organizer Federico Hernandez
First new Don the Beachcomber location on track to open in early 2024
The restaurant in Madeira Beach on Florida's southwest Gulf Coast is in the final stages of construction and staff is being hired. Photos and video provide a peek inside the first of many new Don the Beachcomber locations.
>>> FULL COVERAGE OF THE REVIVAL OF THE ICONIC BRAND
* Renderings, mission statement revealed at Tiki Oasis
* Merchandise: Mugs, glassware, apparel, ephemera
* Bonus cocktail recipe: Sunakora
NEW & UPDATED RECIPES
Mai-Kai cocktail review: Double your pleasure with the exotic and delicious Zula #1 (and #2)
Take a deep dive into the history of a vintage cocktail from Mariano Licudine's 1956 menu. This Don the Beachcomber classic is still being reimagined by craft bartenders today.
>>> See the full story, from the 1930s to 2024
Direct links: Our Zula reviews | Ancestor recipe | Tribute recipes
NEW VIDEO: Zula vs. Penang Afrididi vs. Penang Punch on Make and Drink
Okole Maluna Society: The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide | 100+ Mai-Kai recipes
COCKTAIL GUIDES
Okole Maluna Society: The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide
Hurricane Hayward reviews and rates the historic restaurant's current and past tropical drinks, plus reveals a treasure trove of ancestor and exclusive tribute recipes.
>>> A DEEP DIVE INTO THE COCKTAILS OF THE MAI-KAI
>>> List of all 100+ recipes
Atomic Grog Cocktail Recipes, A through Z
A comprehensive list of every recipe we've posted on the site since 2011.
>>> COMPLETE LIST OF 250+ DRINKS
PAST COVERAGE
The Atomic Grog Archive
Check out the top stories and special features from the blog dating back to our 2011 launch.
Past stories by year: 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018
More archives: Take 5 interviews | More memorable stories
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